D2950: Core buildup
Rebuilding a broken-down tooth so it can hold a crown, done before the crown is made.
Billing notes
- Delta Dental says one is generally needed when 50% or more of the tooth is broken or decayed, and asks for an X-ray from within a year plus a written report.
- A buildup that only fills small gaps is treated as part of the crown prep.
- Billing one with every crown can draw a review.
For how plans pay this kind of service, typical limits and what to check before quoting, read the crowns billing guide.
This is how plans usually handle this code, not how every plan does. The patient's own plan documents and the insurer decide what's paid.
Related codes
CDT is a registered trademark of the American Dental Association. Tabruns is not affiliated with or endorsed by the ADA. The descriptions here are our own plain-English summaries, not the ADA's official wording; use your current CDT manual or practice software for the official code set. Code numbers as of the CDT 2025 code set. The ADA revises the set every year, effective January 1.
Sources
Read November 11, 2026. Where a source describes one insurer's plans, we say so.
- Delta Dental, “What does my dental insurance cover?”
- Delta Dental of Illinois, “How to avoid claim denials for crowns”
- Delta Dental, claim tips for core buildups
- Delta Dental, X-ray claim guidelines and tips
- ADA New Dentist Blog, “Decoding Dental Benefits: Core buildup”
- KYT Dental Services, dental insurance frequency limits
Get the patient's share in dollars, from the benefits page
The code says what was done; the plan decides what D2950 pays. Tabruns reads the coverage, deductible, yearly maximum, waiting periods and frequency limits from the insurer's portal and works out what the patient owes. Patient details stay on the office computer.
Not ready? Try the free patient portion calculator.